Published in the March 31, 2017 edition
MELROSE — Caroline H. “Carol” Balcom, 90, a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully at Country Center for Rehabilitation in Newburyport on Saturday, March 25. Carol was the beloved wife of the late Lincoln B. Balcom whom she shared 48 years of marriage. She was the devoted mother of Lynne M. Balcom Smith and her husband Peter Smith of West Newbury. She was the sister of the late Howard Hathaway. She was the cherished grandmother of Ryan and Sage Smith of West Newbury. She was the dear in-law of Helga Seibert of Laconia, NH, and William “Bill” Smith of Arlington, VA. Carol was born in Leominster on March 17, 1927, daughter of the late Edgar B. Hathaway and Margaret (Munsie) Hathaway. A proud member of one of Leominster’s founding families, Carol graduated from Leominster High School, where she was known by her friends as “Kayo.” She then continued her education at Sargent College in Boston where she received her bachelor’s degree. She grew up with a love for athletics and played softball in college. A strong and confident woman, Carol lived at the Franklin Square House in Boston after college to begin her professional life as a physical therapist. She continued playing sports competitively as a member of the FSH basketball and softball teams. While attending a Bruins game at the Boston Garden, she met Lincoln Balcom, a fellow season ticket holder. They fell in love, were married in 1964, and settled in Melrose to raise a family. Carol then began volunteering at the Ripley School as a librarian and also worked as a lunch mother. Over 30 years later, she was honored as the longest-running Melrose Public School volunteer. Carol always enjoyed being around children, providing the students with her caring support, and good sense of humor. Carol had a strong faith and connection to her church, the Malden First Church of the Nazarene. For many years, she took joy in coordinating the youth program, Caravan. She also loved all animals, in particular her childhood Boston terrier, Juno, and her daughter’s black Lab, Indy. Carol had a lifelong appreciation for nature, spending vacations near the ocean at Pemaquid, Maine and on Cape Cod. Carol will be remembered for her competitive streak, her kind and humorous nature, and her love of children and family. Relatives and friends gathered in honor of Carol’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Wednesday, March 29 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and for her funeral service at the Malden Church of the Nazarene, 529 Eastern Ave., Malden celebrated on Thursday at 11 a.m. Contributions in her name can be made to the Alzhiemer’s Association, www.alz.org. For directions, online tribute or to share a memory, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com
